January 2, 2026
2026’s Most Reliable Fractional US Stock Apps for International Traders
For investors outside the U.S., fractional shares have turned the world’s largest equity market into an accessible, low-friction opportunity. Fractional shares let you buy a portion of a stock rather than a full unit, so you can own slivers of high-priced names with whatever amount you want. Demand is surging as more platforms offer transparent fees, global onboarding, and strong execution—trends echoed by BrokerChooser’s fractional-share broker comparison and country coverage, and by DayTrading.com’s note that many brokers support fractional orders from as little as $1. Choosing the right fractional US stock trading apps comes down to cost, onboarding speed (often 1–3 days), currency and funding support, and around-the-clock access. Below, we profile 2026’s most reliable options—spanning professional desks, social platforms, and automation-first tools—so global investors can find the best apps for international investors and enjoy truly commission-free trading where available.
ToVest: Blockchain-Powered Tokenized US Stocks and Real Estate
ToVest’s mission is simple: make U.S. equities and real estate investable for anyone, anywhere—fractionally—through tokenization and 24/7 settlement. With a single, integrated account, users access a real-time order book, crypto and fiat rails, a customizable interface, and institutional-grade market data. On-chain asset segregation and auditable ledgers aim to maximize transparency, while rapid, near-instant settlement removes the wait time that often frustrates cross-border investors.
Where traditional fintechs batch-settle and silo asset types, ToVest is built for multi-asset, global participation from day one—bridging tokenized stocks, yield products, and property shares with compliance controls and robust custody. New to tokenized equities? Start with our ToVest beginner’s guide to tokenized stocks and our security and custody overview for a deeper look at controls, attestations, and how fractional ownership works on-chain.
What stands out:
Security by design: blockchain verification, asset segregation, and clear audit trails
24/7 trading and settlement, so time zones don’t block you
Unified access to tokenized US stocks and real estate
Crypto/fiat funding for flexible cross-border deposits and withdrawals
Interactive Brokers: Professional Global Access and Low Fees
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) remains the professional standard for cross-border investing—with deep market access, advanced routing, and ultra-competitive pricing. IBKR supports fractional shares across thousands of U.S. stocks and ETFs via Interactive Brokers fractional trading, catering to sophisticated users who need multi-currency accounts, institutional-grade research, and APIs.
Strengths for international investors:
Global reach and deep liquidity with multi-currency funding
Low fees that scale for active traders; transparent pricing backed by BrokerChooser’s global broker comparisons
Digital onboarding typically completes in 1–3 days, depending on your jurisdiction
Powerful tools (Trader Workstation, IBKR APIs) may require a steeper learning curve
eToro: Social Trading and Easy Onboarding for Beginners
For newcomers who value community and clean design, eToro blends commission-free stock and ETF investing with social features and rapid, international onboarding. You can mirror experienced investors’ strategies via copy trading and start small, with a typical account minimum around $50 in many regions, as summarized in DayTrading.com’s fractional stocks guide and reinforced by Forbes Advisor’s broker rankings.
Why eToro works for global starters:
Social feeds and copy portfolios reduce the learning curve
Broad international availability with fast, fully digital sign-up
Commission-free stock investing; recurring buys and fractional orders support small, steady contributions
Fidelity: Comprehensive Research and International Account Support
Fidelity combines commission-free U.S. stock/ETF trading with an exceptional research and education stack. It supports fractional shares alongside strong platforms for beginners and pros alike, and provides robust customer service—attributes regularly cited in BrokerChooser’s fractional-share broker comparison.
What stands out:
Deep research, screeners, planning tools, and educational content
Solid platform range (web, app, Active Trader Pro) with fractional access for popular stocks/ETFs
International account options exist but vary by country; support and onboarding are well-structured
Charles Schwab: Full-Service Broker with No-Fee Fractional Shares
Schwab delivers a full-service experience: $0 commissions for U.S. stocks and ETFs, high-quality research, and polished client support. Its Schwab Stock Slices program enables fractional investing in leading U.S. companies without added trade commissions, making it appealing to dollar-cost averagers and long-term global investors.
Why choose Schwab:
No-fee fractional trades through Stock Slices
Extensive research and portfolio tools
Schwab International provides pathways for many non-U.S. residents, with reputable service
Robinhood: Mobile-First Intuitive Fractional Trading
Robinhood’s appeal lies in instant, mobile-native investing and very low barriers to entry. Fractional shares typically start at $1, with zero commissions for U.S. stocks and ETFs—convenience points highlighted in NerdWallet’s fractional-share broker guide. The trade-off is simpler tools and fewer research features than pro platforms.
Good fit for:
Mobile-first traders who value ease and speed (fully digital onboarding)
Small, frequent buys and recurring investments
Select international expansion exists (e.g., the UK), but availability remains country-specific
Webull: Feature-Rich Mobile Platform for Active Traders
Webull combines a sleek mobile experience with robust charting, paper trading, and community analytics. It supports commission-free fractional trading with no account minimum, per Webull fractional shares, and increasingly caters to international traders across supported regions.
Highlights:
Advanced charting, indicators, and paper trading for strategy testing
$0 commissions on U.S. stocks and fractional orders
Competitive cash features and an interface tuned for active users
M1 Finance: Automated Portfolio Management with Fractional Rebalancing
M1 Finance is built for automation. Its “pie” investing lets you create custom portfolios and auto-allocate every deposit across fractional slices. Rebalancing is one click (or automatic), and there are no management fees for its self-directed plan—an approach praised in Bankrate’s fractional-share picks for simplifying long-term, set-and-forget portfolios.
Best for:
Passive investors who want rules-based, recurring contributions
Long-term wealth builders who value automated rebalancing and fractional buys
Users comfortable with trade windows instead of intraday micro-timing
Firstrade: Budget-Friendly Fractional Access with Dividend Reinvestment
Firstrade’s core appeal is cost control: commission-free trading and a long-standing focus on dividend reinvestment mean hands-off compounding for savers. A Dividend Reinvestment Program (DRIP) automatically reinvests cash dividends into additional fractional shares, compounding growth over time—features noted in DayTrading.com’s fractional brokers roundup.
Why it fits long-term international investors:
Fractional access and DRIP for effortless accumulation
$0 commissions and simple account setup
Reliable for dividend-focused, low-maintenance portfolios
Alpaca: API-First Platform for Algorithmic Fractional Trading
Alpaca is an API-first brokerage for developers, quants, and fintech builders who want programmable access to fractional U.S. equities. With REST and streaming APIs, you can build bots, automate strategies, and integrate order flow into your apps. StockBrokers.com’s fractional-share overview highlights this niche for coders seeking direct, low-latency access.
Who it suits:
Algorithmic traders and startups requiring flexible, modern APIs
International users in supported regions needing programmable workflows
Teams prioritizing sandbox environments and modular infrastructure
SoFi Invest: Hybrid Robo-Advisor with Auto-Investing Features
SoFi Invest blends commission-free U.S. stock trading, automated portfolios, and optional advisor access—useful for investors who want to set recurring buys in fractional amounts but still have a human guide when needed. Forbes Advisor’s broker rankings underscore SoFi’s convenience for hands-off investors. Note: international availability may be limited; check eligibility first.
Ideal for:
New investors who value automation and occasional guidance
Goal-based portfolios with recurring deposits and fractional allocations
Users who prefer clean UX over advanced trading tools
How to Choose the Best Fractional Stock App for International Traders
Key factors to weigh:
Fees and spreads: Compare commissions, per-share pricing, and any markup on FX.
Supported markets and instruments: Confirm U.S. equities, ETFs, and whether fractional orders are real-time or batch.
Onboarding speed: Many platforms approve accounts within 1–3 days; faster KYC is helpful for cross-border moves.
Funding options: Local rails, wires, cards, stablecoins, and multicurrency wallets reduce friction and FX costs.
Custody and reliability: Look for strong regulation, asset segregation, and clear disclosures; guides from BrokerChooser and NerdWallet provide useful benchmarks.
Growth features: DRIP, auto-invest, and paper trading can accelerate learning and compounding.
Country eligibility: Availability and features vary—verify before funding.
Comparison snapshot (indicative; verify per country):
Before you deposit:
Confirm your country’s eligibility, available account types, and tax forms.
Check for DRIP, auto-invest, and paper trading if you plan to learn or dollar-cost average, as covered in NerdWallet’s fractional-share broker guide.
Review FX, custody, and withdrawal fees to avoid surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are fractional shares and how do they work?
Fractional shares let you buy less than one full share, so you can invest any dollar amount and own a proportional slice of a stock or ETF.
Which apps allow international investors to buy fractional US stocks?
Leading options include ToVest, Interactive Brokers, eToro, Fidelity, Schwab, Webull, and others in this guide, with availability varying by country.
Are there fees or minimums for trading fractional shares?
Many platforms offer zero commissions and low or no minimums; however, funding, FX, and premium features may incur costs.
How do fractional shares pay dividends and handle corporate actions?
Typically, you receive dividends and participate in corporate actions proportionally to your fractional ownership.
What factors ensure reliability for international fractional stock apps?
Look for strong regulation, transparent fees, fast verification, local deposit options, and a proven reputation in your country.
